One of my favorite plants – the sweet autumn clematis – is in full bloom right now, carpeted with white blossoms and their accompanying sweet perfume, hence its common name. We used to have one at the base of an arbor, which performed reliably for about two decades before puttering out – but not before seeding itself throughout the area. One of those seeds grew into the specimen you see here – in a relatively neglected, unfertilized and under-watered section of the side yard, where it climbed up a lilac branch and spread itself out into a pine.
Next year I’ll amend its soil with some manure and give it a proper place to begin, as this show can be even more grand and magnificent. For now, it’s a lesson in resilience and power, and a testament to survival. I’m taking my inspiration here for the autumn season. Be prepared. Prettiness is not a sign of weakness.
